MX23RW : Thursday, April 25 00:00:46| >> :60:797:797:
[monks data]
Liverpool logo
Champions League | Group Stage
Dec 1, 2020 at 8pm UK
Anfield
Ajax

Liverpool
1 - 0
Ajax

Jones (58')
Wijnaldum (70'), Henderson (90+1'), Mane (90+2')
FT(HT: 0-0)

Schuurs (42'), Blind (55')

Caoimhin Kelleher determined to kick on at Liverpool after European debut

Kelleher determined to kick on at Liverpool after European debut
© Reuters
The Irishman conceded seven against Manchester City's under-23s on Saturday

Liverpool's rookie goalkeeper Caoimhin Kelleher hopes his impressive European debut has done enough to earn him a first Premier League start.

The 22-year-old did not put a foot wrong in the 1-0 win over Ajax which guaranteed the Reds top spot in their Champions League group with a match to spare.

Kelleher, with just four domestic cup appearances behind him last season, combined dependability with moments of outstanding quality – highlighted by his 88th-minute save from veteran goalscorer Klaas Jan Huntelaar.

Kelleher's late save from Klaas Jan Huntelaar helped guarantee qualification as group winners
Kelleher's late save from Klaas Jan Huntelaar helped guarantee qualification as group winners (Michael Regan/PA)

With a hamstring problem already ruling out Alisson Becker of Sunday's visit of Wolves and potentially the following weekend's trip to Fulham – he would not have been considered for next Wednesday's dead rubber against Midtjylland – there is a key vacancy to be filled.

Jurgen Klopp's preference for Kelleher over established second choice Adrian was based on the Irishman's footballing ability, with the manager stressing it was a 'horses for courses' selection.

But, having taken his chance, the Republic of Ireland Under-21 international hopes he is now the man in possession.

"I'm just working hard every day in training, preparing myself. I'm always thinking if a chance does come, I'll have to be ready for it," he told the club's website.

"So that's why I work every day and thankfully all that work did pay off.

"That's all I can do. When I get my opportunity, I just need to take it. I think I've done well, so hopefully I can push on and if I get another opportunity, just take it again."

After the vote of confidence from Klopp, Kelleher received a pre-match message of support from both Alisson and Adrian and a huge bear hug from his manager at the final whistle.

"I didn't see Ali but I got a text before the game just to tell me good luck. Adrian was a really great support," he added.

"He told me, 'I'm with you 100 per cent and supporting you no matter what'. To get that from him was really kind of him."

On Klopp's post-match celebration after he made a beeline for his goalkeeper, Kelleher, who conceded seven against Manchester City's under-23s on Saturday, said: "Of course, it was a nice moment for him to come to me and to get an embrace.

"He just said it's fully deserved, so it was a nice moment for me."

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp could not hide his delight at Kelleher's performance
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp could not hide his delight at Kelleher's performance (Jon Super/PA)

The plaudits continued to flood in with captain Jordan Henderson full of praise for the Champions League debutant.

"Unbelievable, isn't he? Outstanding, some of the saves he made, important saves," the midfielder said.

"His distribution was excellent, coming out and commanding his area. I thought he was outstanding and a real plus for us."

Liverpool now have a five-day break before their next match, during which time Klopp will be hoping for some good news on the injury front after both Henderson (back) and Andy Robertson (ankle) played on through knocks.

There is also a chance midfielder Naby Keita (hamstring) could be back while defender Trent Alexander-Arnold (calf) is not far away from a return.

"That's a big gap for us, not a small one," Henderson added.

"We've got to use that the best we can, recover and get ready for a tough game because Wolves are a good side.

"They got a big win the other day against Arsenal, so they'll be right up for it. It's another tough game for us but we'll recover and get ready for that one."

ID:424762: cacheID:424762:1false2false3false:QQ:: from db desktop :LenBod:restore:8827:No Data Analysis info
Restore Data
Share this article now:
Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp pictured on November 22, 2020
Read Next:
Jurgen Klopp reveals "massive" relief as Liverpool advance in Champions League
>
rhs 2.0
Today's games header
10am
Blanch
Nadal
10am
Cachin
Ofner
10am
Elahi Galan
Bautista-Agut
10am
Gasquet
Sonego
10am
Hanfmann
Mensik
10am
Koepfer
Carballes Baena
10am
Kovacevic
Medjedovic
10am
Lajovic
Monteiro
10am
Machac
Ruusuvuori
10am
Michelsen
Fonseca
10am
Nishioka
Auger-Aliassime
10am
O'Connell
Arnaldi
10am
Purcell
Giron
10am
Ramos-Vinolas
Kotov
10am
Tabilo
Cobolli
10am
Zhizhen
Kecmanovic
10am
Azarenka
Maria
10am
Eala
Cirstea
10am
Annie Fernandez
Potapova
10am
Gauff
Rus
10am
Keys
Camelia-Begu
10am
Podoroska
Navarro
10am
Karolina Schmiedlova
Jabeur
10am
Swiatek
Wang
10am
Baez
Van Assche
10am
Coric
Zverev
10am
Martin Etcheverry
Shapovalov
10am
Humbert
Van De Zandschulp
10am
Hurkacz
Draper
10am
Marozsan
Cerundolo
10am
Paul
Klein
10am
Rublev
Bagnis
10am
Altmaier
Fils
10am
Darderi
Fritz
10am
Griekspoor
Daniel
10am
Munar
Struff
10am
Musetti
Seyboth Wild
10am
Navone
Rune
10am
Shevchenko
Alcaraz
10am
Alexandrova
Krueger
10am
Andreeva
Noskova
10am
Bejlek
Kalinskaya
10am
Boulter
Montgomery
10am
Bronzetti
Rybakina
10am
Collins
Danilovic
3pm
Cristian
Krejcikova
10am
Dolehide
Kalinina
10am
Garcia
Wang
10am
Linette
Sabalenka
10am
Pavlyuchenkova
Saville
10am
Sorribes Tormo
Svitolina
10am
Vekic
Sakkari
11.30am
Arango
Yastremska
11.30am
Osaka
Samsonova
11.30am
Ostapenko
Bouzas Maneiro
1pm
Haddad Maia
Errani
2.30pm
Lourdes Carle
Kudermetova
2.30pm
Mertens
Stephens
Tables header RHS

Group A

TeamPWDLPTS
QBayern651016
QCopenhagen62228
3Galatasaray61235
4Man Utd61144

Group B

TeamPWDLPTS
QArsenal641113
QPSV62319
3Lens62228
4Sevilla60242

Group C

TeamPWDLPTS
QReal Madrid660018
QNapoli631210
3Braga61144
4Union Berlin60242

Group D

TeamPWDLPTS
QReal Sociedad633012
QInter Milan633012
3Benfica61144
4Salzburg61144

Group E

TeamPWDLPTS
QAtletico642014
QLazio631210
3Feyenoord62046
4Celtic61144

Group F

TeamPWDLPTS
QDortmund632111
QPSG62228
3AC Milan62228
4Newcastle61235

Group G

TeamPWDLPTS
QMan City660018
QRB Leipzig640212
3Young Boys61144
4Red Star60151

Group H

TeamPWDLPTS
QBarcelona640212
QPorto640212
3Shakhtar63039
4Antwerp61053


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
Argentina's Lionel Messi kisses the World Cup trophy after collecting the Golden Ball award on December 18, 2022Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!